BSPS Area 2B Lancashire Championships, Warren Farm, Merseyside
IT was a red-letter day for the connections of the lead-rein pony Derw Sweet Memories (Elsie) ridden by Esmé Phoenix-Phillips and led by her aunt Bethany Phoenix, who is normally seen aboard her successful hack, Molecule One.
They began their campaign by winning the non-Royal International (RIHS) mini-show pony championship, having already acquired their Hickstead pass on their season debut at BSPS Area 9A in March.
This victory allowed them entry into three supremes held indoors later in the day. They firstly stood reserve in the members final before going one better to capture the Pretty Polly crown under judge Ros Hargreaves.
Ros was full of praise for her winner: “My champion was picture-perfect, produced to perfection and a great ambassador for the home-produced sector,” she said.
This five-year-old mare, who is a full sister to the reigning lead-rein pony of the year Derw Dream Boy, then lived up to her name when she became Kath Vines’ choice for the overall supreme of show accolade.
“Being home-produced and doing all the work yourself makes results like this all the more rewarding, and the 5am wake-up call was certainly worth it,” said Bethany. “Elsie and Esmé are inseparable as she is the perfect child’s pony that just keeps giving. Last year we had some amazing results, finishing fourth at RIHS and ninth at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). We’re looking forward to the season ahead.”
Denne historien er fra May 25, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra May 25, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
